Roof shingles will help protect your home from the elements while improving its overall curb appeal. They come in various styles and materials, ranging from cheap asphalt to expensive options like metal.
If you’re wondering what type of shingles to choose and how much it will cost, you are in the right place. This article compares the cost of buying and installing different shingles to help you make an informed choice.
Shingle Roof Cost Per Square Foot
The cost of roof shingles varies depending on the material and style. For instance, asphalt shingles are the cheapest option on the market.
You should expect to pay between $1.50 and $5.50 per sq. ft for asphalt shingles. On the other end of the spectrum, expensive options like metal can cost anything from $5.25 to $12.50 per square foot.
The cost of a shingle roof depends on various factors, the chief being the area of the roof. Manufacturers usually sell shingles per square foot. Therefore, the larger the house, the higher the cost of materials.
The following table shows the cost of asphalt shingle roof per square foot for different roof sizes.
| Size (sq ft) | Size (square) | Asphalt Shingles Cost with Installation |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 9 | $810-$1,575 |
| 1,000 | 10 | $900-$1,750 |
| 1,200 | 12 | $1,080-$2,100 |
| 1,300 | 13 | $1,170-$2,275 |
| 1,400 | 14 | $1,260-$2,450 |
| 1,500 | 15 | $1,350-$2,625 |
| 1,600 | 16 | $1,440-$2,800 |
| 1,700 | 17 | $1,530-$2,975 |
| 1,800 | 18 | $1,620-$3,150 |
| 1,900 | 19 | $1,710-$3,325 |
| 2,000 | 20 | $1,800-$3,500 |
| 2,500 | 25 | $2,250-$4,375 |
| 3,000 | 30 | $2,700-$5,250 |
The data is based on the Architectural shingles.
Shingle Roof Material Cost
As we mentioned earlier, shingles feature varying materials. They include asphalt, wood, metal, and composite.
Each material has its benefits and drawbacks. As a result, they tend to differ in prices. While materials such as asphalt can fetch as low as $1 per square foot, a copper shingle can cost as high as $22 per square foot.
The following table compares the cost of different shingle materials.
| Roof Shingle Material | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood Shingle | $4.25 to $9.50 |
| Metal Shingle | $5.25 to $12.50 |
| Asphalt Shingle | $2 to $6 |
| Composite Shingle | $4 to $6 |
We examine the pros, cons, and costs of each option below. Read on to find which suits your roofing needs best.
Wood Shingle Roof Cost
Wood shingles come in two styles: Wood shingles and wood shake. The two differ slightly in appearance as well as cost.
Wood shingles consist of different types of wood cut into perfect shapes during manufacturing. They cost $4.25 to $9.50 per square foot.
On the other hand, wood shakes are cut by hand from cedar trees. As a result, they feature a rustic appearance that gives them a classic look.
Wood shake is more expensive than wood shingles at $6 to $10 per square foot. But it last longer when properly maintained.
Wood shingle roofs can last between 20 to 40 years. However, they are susceptible to rot, fire, and insects. They are also not sustainable.
Metal Shingle Roof Cost
Metal is one of the most long-lasting roofing materials on the market. That is why metal roofs can last as long as 75 to 100 years. Other pros include high fire resistance, durability, endless color options, and energy efficiency.
Unfortunately, one of the most significant disadvantages of metal is its high cost. The shingles are even more expensive than panels, with an average price of $5.25 to $12.50 per square foot.
The high cost is due to the price of materials and the cost of labor. Remember, metal roofs are some of the most challenging to install.
Apart from the high cost, other disadvantages of metal shingles include susceptibility to denting and rusting.
Composite Shingle Roof Cost
Composite shingle roofs come from recycled plastic and other materials. They are an environmentally friendly option since these materials would have become waste otherwise.
Composite shingles can mimic the look of wood and slate. However, they are not as heavy or expensive. It will cost you $4 to $6 per sq. ft. to buy and install them.
Unfortunately, composite shingles will not last as long as the materials they mimic. A composite shingle roof can live from seven to 20 years, depending on the quality.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost
Asphalt shingles are some of the most affordable on the market. Their installation process is also straightforward. Asphalt shingle prices range between $2 and $6 per sq. foot, depending on the material.
Although asphalt shingle roofs are cheap, they do not last long. Asphalt shingle roof lifespan averages between 15 and 20 years.
There are three types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles. The following table compares their costs.
| Roof Shingle Types | Shingle Roof Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingle | $0.75 to $0.9 |
| Architectural Asphalt Shingle | $0.9 to $1.6 |
| Designer Asphalt Shingle | $1.7 to $2.5 |
3-Tab Asphalt Shingle cost
3-Tab Asphalt Shingle is the lightest among the three options, making it easier to install. That's because it is single-layered.
Unfortunately, being single-layered makes these shingles easy to blow off. Additionally, there are very few aesthetic options from which to choose.
The following table compares the cost of different 3-Tab Asphalt Shingle brands.
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingle Brands | Shingle Roof Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Owens Corning Supreme | $75-$85 |
| GAF Royal Sovereign | $62-$78 |
| Tamko Elite Glass-Seal | $72-$77 |
| CertainTeed XT-25 | $70-$68 |
Architectural Asphalt Shingle Cost
Architectural asphalt shingle is the most popular option at present. It consists of multiple layers and is thus heavier and more durable.
These shingles last longer than their 3-tab counterparts. They are also more aesthetic options with some mimicking wood and slate shingles.
Naturally, architectural asphalt shingles are more expensive than their 3-Tab counterparts. The following compares the prices of different brands.
| Architectural Asphalt Shingle Brands | Shingle Roof Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Owens Corning Duration | $90-$120 |
| GAF Timberline | $100-$200 |
| Tamko Heritage | $84-$215 |
| CertainTeed Landmark | $85-$160 |
Designer Asphalt Shingle Cost
Designer asphalt shingles are multi-layered and laminated, thus protecting them from the vagaries of weather. That also makes them the heaviest option of the three.
Designer asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles to suit varying preferences. Their mimicry of wood and slate looks more realistic.
Unfortunately, designer asphalt shingles are the most expensive option. You can compare the cost of different brands in the table below.
| Designer Lines Asphalt Shingle Brands | Shingle Roof Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Owens Corning | $175-$280 |
| GAF | $150-$280 |
| Tamko | $180-$215 |
| CertainTeed | $170-$250 |
Metal vs. Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost
Asphalt shingles are cheaper than their metal counterparts. They will fetch between $1 and $1.20 per sq. ft. Meanwhile, the cost of metal shingles can go as high as $3 to $5 per square foot.
Labor costs also differ significantly. An asphalt shingle roof will cost between $2 and $6 per square foot., including labor. On the other hand, metal shingle roofs cost $5.25 to $12.50.
Although expensive, metal roofs are durable and long-lasting. That makes them cost-effective in the long run since you will not need to pay for regular repairs and replacements.
Contrastingly, asphalt shingles can only last between 15 to 20 years. They are also not as durable. Therefore, you will incur additional costs due to repairs and replacements.
Cost to Shingle a Roof
On average, you should expect to spend $8,500 to shingle your roof. However, the cost will depend on various factors. They include the size of the home, type of material, and style.
The following table shows the high, average, and low costs of installing a shingle roof.
| Shingle Roof Cost Range | Shingle Roof Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| High Cost | $12,000 |
| Average Cost | $8,500 |
| Low Cost | $5,000 |
Cost To Install Shingle Roof
The average cost of installing a shingle roof includes materials and labor. Labor accounts for 60% of the total cost in most projects. So, if you spend $8,500 to shingle a roof, at least $5,000 goes into labor.
How Much to Replace a Shingle Roof? Average Cost of Shingle Roof Replacement
The average cost to replace roof shingles ranges between $8,000 and $9,000. However, you may have to include the cost of tearing down the old structure in various instances.
You can install the new shingles over the existing structure in some cases. Here, you will not incur additional labor costs.
Roof Shingle Repair Cost
If only a part of the roof is damaged, you don't have to replace the entire roof. Sometimes a simple repair will suffice.
Roof shingle repairs can be cheap or costly, depending on the extent of the damage. For instance, a minor problem such as a broken shingle can lead to water leakage or other extensive damage that may be expensive to repair.
The average cost of repairing a shingle roof ranges between $150 and $300 for small sections. Large areas can cost between $500 and $800 to repair.
Conclusion
Do you want a shingle roof but are unsure what type suits your budget needs best? You can compare the prices of different options available on the market as shown above.
Remember, the final cost may vary depending on several factors, such as the area of the roof, location, and the contractor. Use an asphalt shingle roof cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions
Are roof shingles expensive?
The cost of roof shingles will vary depending on the material and style. For instance, asphalt shingles are cheap to buy and install. Relatively, metal shingles are an expensive option.
How long does a shingle roof last?
The lifespan of a shingle roof depends on the material and style. An asphalt shingle roof can only last for 15 to 20 years. Materials such as metal can last between 75 to 100 years.